Los Angeles is a city known for its sunshine, beaches, and Hollywood, but it’s also a city with some of the best ice cream places in the country, here are some of my favorite and the best ice cream places to take your kids in Los Angeles! It’s a treat that people of all ages enjoy, especially kids.
Just watch that ice cream doesn’t fall when they’re really little though, as a child photographer in Los Angeles I love capturing all of these special little moments, so on the day my daughter turned 18 months old we decided to commemorate the moment by heading for her very first ice cream cone. I had my camera in hand ready to capture her happy little face in the moment, just as it rolled to the ground. I couldn’t help but quickly grab that shot, then of course we got her a new one!
Best Ice Cream Places to take your kids in Los Angeles!
Whether you’re looking for classic flavors or something more unique, LA has something to offer. Here are some of my favorite and best ice cream places to take your kids in Los Angeles:
Salt & Straw
This is my number one! Just absolutely delicious! Salt & Straw started in Portland, Oregon, and has since opened locations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and other cities. Their ice cream is made in small batches using local ingredients, and they have a wide variety of flavors to choose from. Some of their popular flavors include sea salt with caramel ribbons (my personal favorite), almond brittle with salted ganache, and strawberry honey balsamic with black pepper. They also have seasonal flavors that change throughout the year, such as pumpkin pie, eggnog, and candy cane.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams started in Columbus, Ohio, and has since expanded to multiple locations across the country, including Los Angeles. Their ice cream is made with high-quality ingredients and is known for its smooth texture. They have a variety of unique flavors, such as brown butter almond brittle, sweet potato with torched marshmallows, and goat cheese with red cherries. They also have a dairy-free line of ice cream made with oat milk. My daughter loves to go to the Jeni’s in Calabasas, she gets her ice cream then heads off on a walk to see the turtles while dripping it everywhere! Thankfully there’s a turtle that sprouts water so on hot days she dances in the water and cleans herself up.
McConnells Fine Ice Creams
McConnells Fine Ice Creams has been around since 1949 and is one of the oldest ice cream shops in Los Angeles. They use organic and local ingredients to make their ice cream, and they have a variety of classic and unique flavors. Some of their popular flavors include dark chocolate peanut butter cup, Turkish coffee, and lavender honey. They also have a vegan line of ice cream made with coconut milk. They also have a variety of toppings and sauces to choose from, making it a fun and customizable experience for kids.
Wanderlust Creamery
Wanderlust Creamery is a small-batch ice cream shop with locations in Los Angeles and Tarzana. They specialize in making ice cream inspired by different countries and cultures. Some of their popular flavors include black sesame brittle, Ube malted crunch, and sticky rice and mango. They also have seasonal flavors that change throughout the year, such as eggnog, peppermint bark, and mulled wine. My husband loved trying this place out especially when he saw they had an Ube flavored ice cream.
Sweet Rose Creamery
Sweet Rose Creamery has several locations in Los Angeles and uses organic ingredients to make their ice cream. They have a variety of classic and unique flavors, such as salted caramel, fresh mint chip, and blueberry cornmeal crumble. They also have a dairy-free line of ice cream made with almond milk.
Frozen Yogurt
Then there’s frozen yogurt! If you’re looking for a little extra fun for the kids where they can fill their own tub and add their toppings, Menchies and Yogurtland are great places! My daughter loves Menchies, she shouts, “Mochi Mochi” at the top of her lungs and loves to scoop some up and into her tub. She then adds a little chocolate sauce on top. Afterwards she marches proudly over to the counter to pay, get herself a sticker and then very happily tucks into her frozen yogurt.
As a Los Angeles photographer, children are often telling me at the end of their photoshoot that they are going for ice cream! Their faces light up when they tell me where they are going, and their favorite flavors. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a special time as a family and making wonderful, fun memories… A family photoshoot and then on to ice cream!
Ice cream is not only a delicious treat but also an entertaining and interactive experience for kids. Los Angeles has some of the best ice cream places in the country. These places not only offer delicious ice cream but also a fun atmosphere for families to enjoy. From trying unique and inspired flavors to adding fun toppings and taking pictures, kids can have a great time at these ice cream shops.
So the next time you’re looking for a fun something to do with your children, be sure to visit one of these top ice cream places and indulge in some delicious frozen treats while creating lasting memories with your loved ones.
Best Ice Cream Places to take your kids in Los Angeles!
For my recommendations on 11 diaper bag essentials for moms in Los Angeles, click here!
